You’ve probably seen motorhomes pulling smaller cars behind them, but you may not have noticed that there are two different ways this is done. The old way to tow a car was to put it on a trailer. Lately, savvy motorhomes have been using a particular kind of towbars called A-Frames.
Why Buy A Towcar?
First of all, why do motorhomes tow cars? Why bring a second vehicle?
Many places we like to visit in our motorhomes are not ideal for large vehicles. There may be narrow streets, limited parking, height restrictions, expensive parking and more that are inconvenient for the motorhome.
Using a towcar gives you the freedom to explore without any of those problems, and without having to disturb your pitch set-up. Some compare it to caravanning, but instead of having to buy an expensive vehicle that is large, heavy and fuel-thirsty, you have the benefit of a small, easy to park, fuel-efficient vehicle, that is beneficial for your daily use, and of course, you can always use the motorhome without a towcar attached.
A-Frame Towbars vs Trailers
With its widely separated axles, a towcar pulled on A-frame towbars is much more stable to tow than a car on a trailer. When using the car’s braking system, the towcar has a far superior braking efficiency over a trailer and has no pushing and pulling effect (also called “yawing”) on the motorhome.
A towcar A-frame also has a lower centre of gravity than a trailer and is much less likely to snake side to side. However, it is a conversion to that vehicle alone and cannot be used with another vehicle that has not been modified. So if you like to change your towcar now and then, a trailer may be a more cost-effective arrangement in the long run.
Another drawback of a trailer is that it adds weight to your trip, reducing your fuel efficiency. It also needs to be stored somewhere when not in use, and many people don’t have an extra parking space at home for a trailer.
Why Choose the Towmaster 2 A-Frame?
The Towmaster had already won acclaim for its advanced features, which ensure safety and convenience, but the Towmaster 2 has added to that success. Many features, such as auto-aligning, auto-locking and easy-to-couple features, have been retained, while new features, such as cable holding and redesigned lynchpins, have been introduced.
In addition, the new Towmaster uses stronger, thicker materials, non-binding release levers, and a unique new car attachment system called EZ Lock. The Towmaster2 is faster and easier to assemble or disassemble than before as well as being much stronger – in some places using materials over four times stronger.
Towmaster2 retains all of the features and benefits of the previous model:
- Autolok Easy Hitch Auto Alignment System
- 1.2m long to avoid jackknifing
- FEA & Destruction Safety Tested
- Folds away for easy storage
- Easy single person coupling
- Maintains NCAP Safety features
- Discreet when removed
New Features:
- Anti Binding Release Levers
- EZ Lock Attachment System
- Stronger components
- Stays retracted for storage
- New Improved Design Lynch Pins
- New Cable Holding System
- New Design Stainless Drawbars
What is InvisiBrake?
InvisiBrake is a fully-automatic, pre-set, progressive supplemental braking system that uses the electrical connections already in place on your towed vehicle (the towed vehicle’s electrical harness) to brake when you brake the motorhome – the same electrical signal that activates the towed vehicle’s brake lights also activates InvisiBrake.
Completely out of sight
InvisiBrake is so small it can usually be mounted under a seat without sacrificing any of the vehicle’s usable space.
Progressive braking
When you continue braking, so does InvisiBrake. The longer you apply the brakes in the motorhome, the harder your towed vehicle will brake. InvisiBrake will not skid your tyres.
Trickle charge the battery
InvisiBrake connects directly to the towed vehicle’s battery and constantly charges the battery during towing – InvisiBrake will never drain the battery.
Two-stage motorhome monitor
InvisiBrake includes an LED monitor for a visual reference of braking activity; an audible alert at the motorhome indicates extended braking to warn you if the brakes have been activated too long.
Other InvisiBrake benefits:
- Hidden from view – as the name implies, InvisiBrake is hidden once installed. There’s no unsightly equipment to see in your car.
- Simple operation – works intuitively. No-fuss, no hassle.
- Power brakes – InvisiBrake engages the power braking system, giving you the same power brakes whether towing or driving.
- Activates only when the motorhome’s brake lights illuminate – no false braking!
- Works in virtually any towed vehicle, including those with ‘active’ braking systems
- Includes an emergency breakaway system
- Easily adjusts to individual braking preferences – braking pressure is adjustable from 5 to 85psi.
- Whether you want to see the Towmaster 2 in action, need to know more about A-frame towbars in Bristol and the law, or have questions about our Invisibrake electric braking system, these videos provide a handy guide to all your A-frame queries:
- Towmaster 2 Towcar A-Frame Assembly and Towing Demo
- Towmaster and Invisibrake Demonstration
- A-Frame Law Explained
- Brochures, manuals and other documents are available on this page.
LNB is a motorhome towbar specialist in Bristol, delivering a wide range of products and accessories – from tow bars to air suspension. We invite you to come and see our state of the art showroom which boasts demonstrations of many of our products, such as automatic self-levelling systems, lithium batteries, small car trailers and parking aids. This enables our customers to get a feel for how they work and how they will look on their motorhomes. Being experts in our industry, we are more than happy to provide help and advice on the products and motorhome accessories that we sell.